Fiat 124 Abarth Rally at Auction With Group 4 History

A rare Fiat 124 Abarth Rally, developed for FIA Group 4 and restored by Perosino Special Cars, is now at auction. Explore its history, specs, and market context.

One of fewer than 1,000 Fiat 124 Abarth Rally cars built for FIA Group 4 homologation has surfaced at auction, with bidding currently at €13,000. This is not a typical classic convertible, but a purpose-built rally machine developed to meet strict competition requirements and closely tied to Fiat’s factory motorsport program.

The example, traces its origins back to Italy before spending time in Belgium, where it was later restored and upgraded by Perosino Special Cars. The body was stripped and refinished in white with red Abarth graphics, while the engine was rebuilt and enlarged to 2.0 liters. Following completion, the car was tested by former Formula One driver Arturo Merzario, a figure known not only for his racing career but also for his role in rescuing Niki Lauda in 1976.

Cars like the 124 Abarth Rally were never designed with road comfort in mind. They were born out of FIA homologation rules, which required manufacturers to produce a series of road-going versions closely related to their competition cars. As a result, the model featured an independent rear suspension, lightweight body panels, a fixed hardtop, and a significantly reworked chassis compared to the standard Fiat 124 Spider.

This background explains why such cars continue to attract both collectors and historic rally participants. The presence of an FIA Historic Technical Passport confirms that the car meets period-correct specifications required for historic motorsport events. While it does not certify complete originality, it plays a crucial role in allowing the car to compete in FIA-sanctioned competitions.

The model’s importance is reinforced by its competition history. The Fiat 124 Abarth Rally contributed to the brand’s success in European rallying, including championship wins in 1972 and 1975, before being succeeded by the Fiat 131 Abarth.

This particular car has already been used in historic events such as the Boucles de Spa and the Ardenne Rally Festival, highlighting its relevance as an active competition vehicle rather than a static collector piece. However, it is offered without registration or title and is intended strictly for off-road or competition use.

Market values for these cars vary widely, from relatively accessible examples to auction results exceeding $200,000, depending on provenance, condition, and specification. Against that backdrop, the current bid appears to be only an early stage rather than a reflection of its full potential value.